Africa/Global: Rita Marley pays a visit to the chairperson of the AU commission

Rita Marley, the widow of the famous Jamaican Singer, Bob Marley, today paid a visit to the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, H.E. Alpha Oumar Konaré.

Mrs Marley came to inform the Chairperson of the "Africa Unite" Initiative launched by the Bob Marley Foundation, with the support of the Ethiopian Government and Friends of Bob Marley, to commemorate the 60th birthday of Bob Marley.

The "Africa Unite" Initiative will take place in Addis Ababa, in February 2005. The one-month commemoration will include many events such as musical concerts by famous black musicians, art exhibitions and symposia on Panafricanism and the relations between Africa and the Diaspora.

While accepting Mrs Marley’s request that the African Union be a partner in the commemoration, the Chairperson made the following statement: "Madam, your presence here is not a matter of chance. It is rather due to the work of your husband who has built a bridge between Africa and the Diaspora. His message based on the Unity of Africa and his struggle to promote values such as freedom and justice is today duly reflected in the African Union. We can give to Bob Marley only part of what he has given us".

The level of participation of the Commission of the African Union to the commemoration will be determined after consultations with the organizers of "Africa Unite".